Baby showers are a fun and traditional part of pregnancy. Most women have a shower for at least the first baby. Showers for second or subsequent pregnancies are becoming more common. Many women still don’t get a shower for second pregnancies.
If you aren’t getting a shower, but really want one, you may be considering asking someone to host the shower. This is not considered proper shower etiquette. Hosting a shower for yourself is not proper etiquette either.
Although showers for second babies are becoming more common, they aren’t customary. Your friends and family may still believe showers are for first babies only. Personally, I believe every baby should be celebrated.
While you can’t host your own shower, you can celebrate your baby after he or she is born. You can host a “Welcome Baby” party in your home at any point after the baby arrives. You may want to wait a few weeks, or a few months, before hosting the event. This way you will have a chance to recover from the birth and be ready to welcome company.
You can find party supplies for welcome baby parties at your local party store or on the internet. There are plates, balloons and napkins with the phrase “Welcome Baby” printed on them. Decorate the house in a festive theme, just as you would for a baby shower.
The nice thing about welcoming parties is your guests will get to meet the new arrival. The baby is the center of attention, which takes the pressure off mom. This is a great benefit if you aren’t thrilled with the typical baby shower games or are uncomfortable at the center of attention.
Another benefit of a welcome baby party is the gifts. While gifts aren’t required, most people will bring something for the new baby. Since the baby has arrived, you are more likely to get clothing and other gender specific items that you wouldn’t get at a traditional shower.
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